THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN
| Unchecked In his challenge to all believers to move away from the dangers associated with standing as a judge over others’ sins, Jesus Christ said the following as a conclusion: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”Matthew 7:6 NIV11 Context Considering the immediate context of Jesus’ teaching on not acting as a hypocritical judge over others, this odd comment about pearls, pigs, and being torn to pieces might seem to be out of place. There is a teaching from the Apostle Paul that speaks to this same situation in a way that sheds light on the point being made by Jesus: “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.””1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NIV11 Throwing Pearls The Apostle Paul is addressing the fact that the people of the church were not called, or equipped, to stand as God’s judicial representative amongst the unbelieving population. Instead, the people of Jesus are called to manage their own affairs, and let God be the eternal judge over others. When we lose sight of this reality, we find ourselves throwing our pearls to swine. How so? The people of the unbelieving world do not accept the moral authority of God’s word, nor do they submit themselves to the leadership of Jesus Christ. So, when we throw the Word at them, it only serves to inflame their hostilities toward God and toward his people. Another Reason In his message to his disciples, Jesus Christ provides yet another reason why standing in a place of hypocritical judgement of others is outside of God’s plan for his people. We need to see that standing over others and proclaiming them to be sinners does not fit with the kinds of people that the Lord is calling his people to become. We are not called to point out the specks of sawdust in the eyes of others. Instead, we are called to demonstrate the love and mercy of God through sharing a portion of the good God has done for us with those that are in a place of struggle and need. Prayer As you go through your day, consider the following prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your unending mercy and love. Thank you for the gift of complete and eternal forgiveness. Thank you for showing us the way of real love. Help me to stop pointing at the sins of others, and instead give me the ability to love those who fail and faulter. Help me to see your path to providing help for them. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your Word and your leadership. In Christ,Ryan Laden |
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